[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6223313,"mediaKeyId","3576527-f32c8cbad01863238af09a28387cbf45","parentId",3576527,"title","Palm Springs council authorizes negotiations with Oakview Group to manage convention center","audioSeconds",552,"startMs",9915000,"endMs",10467000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576527-f32c8cbad01863238af09a28387cbf45&start=9915&end=10467","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576527-f32c8cbad01863238af09a28387cbf45/thumbnail_9915000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6223313/Palm-Springs/Riverside-County/California/Palm-Springs-council-authorizes-negotiations-with-Oakview-Group-to-manage-convention-center","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223313-778b5633988163fed4a06554f7fbe209/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418178&Signature=PnSIppI6IQ0ODW8FP9897tZZJfLVcnP4I5wpXUHt1-Eo3CEaghsPNvOwi89MVA0ln0bMrITy4e6ZOf1F2VhNAzvYq2tosVieutBmVOwdZMjWMOpgSyhFeKoaGDkWXwQWky7tfy7KiKg5-tu1BWXye3l1F7VIz0-PTNBOer8lS0cSp2F5uVQQTnsR~BLvAMbaNGJkdiGddo17gE1wiuNN5gxClsfmC0BnE5gp48~w~ak-UVgdj-QjaAPMrWa2E88vyOttPS9UOVMrryJ-bQihG45LmtyuaTt0yaSfm-IEv1dDoOg0SiytoSGn1OEgFOJHgbnAJ84n33plBm-cCFqskg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Palm Springs CA","date","2025-05-29T04:42:11Z","article","The Palm Springs City Council on May 28 authorized the city to begin contract negotiations with Oakview Group (OVG) to operate the Palm Springs Convention Center, following a competitive request for proposals and multi‑panel interviews.

The nut graf: staff and an external evaluation panel recommended Oakview Group based on a combination of cost proposal, higher proposed capital investment, and plans to increase facility occupancy through targeted market segments including tech, wellness and nontraditional sports and events.

David O’Neil, an independent convention‑center consultant retained for the selection process, said the evaluation emphasized measurable performance standards. “We want measurable and verifiable, incentive fee targets,” O’Neil said during the presentation, describing a focus on fiscal performance, future bookings and user satisfaction measures.

Oakview Group’s team described a strategy to expand bookings by pursuing corporate board retreats, wellness conferences, regional sporting events and trade groups that match Palm Springs’ destination strengths. Peter Zingoni, senior vice president for Oakview Group, said the company manages hundreds of venues and plans to bring dedicated sales and marketing resources to the market. Oakview representatives also emphasized transition planning and local hiring; they said their approach typically retains about 90% of existing staff during transitions.

City staff described the procurement and evaluation process: the RFP drew two national firms, Oakview Group and ASM Global. Panels with city subject‑matter experts, a representative from Palm Springs Resorts, and a tribal representative interviewed both firms. Staff said Oakview proposed a higher capital contribution and a lower cost plan that the panel judged most likely to increase occupancy and revenue.

Council discussion covered community priorities such as preserving opportunities for local nonprofits and arts groups, keeping a local flavor in concessions, and ensuring the new operator works closely with Visit Greater Palm Springs and downtown businesses to link events to local restaurants and cultural destinations. Council members also asked that the general manager selection include community input and asked staff to present a comparison to the existing management agreement when the negotiated contract is ready for council review.

Action: the council authorized staff to begin formal negotiations with Oakview Group and to request a fully negotiated agreement back to council for approval, with a target to complete the transition before the current management agreement ends in late September 2025.

Ending: staff and Oakview agreed to a rapid negotiation and transition schedule and said they would present a negotiated contract and performance metrics to the council for final approval; council members asked for regular reporting on performance and for a community engagement component during the general manager selection and transition.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting | May 28th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After an evaluation of two national firms, council authorized staff to begin contract negotiations with Oakview Group to operate and market the Palm Springs Convention Center, citing goals to boost occupancy, diversify event mix and increase revenue.","taxTitle","Palm Springs, Riverside County, California","taxId",55405,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6223315,"City signs letter of interest to pursue federal historic tax credits for Plaza Theatre restoration",178,5870000,6048000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576527-f32c8cbad01863238af09a28387cbf45&start=5870&end=6048","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576527-f32c8cbad01863238af09a28387cbf45/thumbnail_5870000.jpg","/articles/6223315/Palm-Springs/Riverside-County/California/City-signs-letter-of-interest-to-pursue-federal-historic-tax-credits-for-Plaza-Theatre-restoration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223315-9971318cd9e14f4cbe9089be086ba107/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418178&Signature=JDwfRp-i1~GzLOyLkJfJW55stEbSIAOcRfMOjazobHGJ-xs4qJ6aLy3aVsGNaZQqT~U-O14ZVnBLYYmpg0GAwUzeHN2BKTKAZ6REDsHhc6C7iLfbuNfl6FsCw0k53sLV5pK9ZdQNZMsjPSazeHC~-SS9AvDxs9Oo~Nda71hiamp2Zf1cdlSi8eqJ0ek1knZeaVyuz~c9sYXwh7zTIX9HhzwXCuMOB~woH1rBoUriHbJzY~eZlfP2SJI-MkMopfeF959QGRKw5ijS029gdTNiPKx6t5QgmGoU8pKxBH2vzuXEHVLyCePKqKlf2TmL7KVVX0QRAnSIfXdUZKxrmhedvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Palm Springs City Council on May 28 authorized city staff to enter a letter of interest with the Plaza Theatre Foundation and a nonprofit intermediary to pursue federal historic tax credit financing for the city’s downtown Plaza Theatre restoration.

City Attorney (presenting) told the council that the proposed approach would use private investment to monetize federal historic tax credits and could provide significant funding for the restoration while preserving city ownership of the property through long‑term lease structures.

“This proposed tax credit financing for the theater is being facilitated by an organization, a nonprofit, National Trust Community Investment Corporation,” the city attorney said in the staff presentation. He summarized the financing mechanics: a private investor would provide equity and receive tax credits, while the city and foundation would negotiate the structure and return to council for approval of any final deal.

Staff and foundation representatives described the likely financial outcome. The city attorney said the structure under discussion could provide more than $5 million in investment equity for the restoration and “net more than $2,800,000 with a successful historic tax credit financing.” He warned that pursuing the financing requires legal and accounting work and that any final agreement would return to the council for a public vote.

John Rotchaffer, partner at BBK (legal counsel on public finance and tax matters), emphasized the ownership and title limits in the proposed structure. “Title to the theater will not transfer out. So it'll still remain a city asset,” he told council members, describing how long‑term leases and operating agreements would convey the tax benefits to an investor while preserving municipal title.

Judith Blanchard, a board member of the Plaza Theatre Foundation, said the foundation considered but declined to pursue new markets tax credits in addition to historic tax credits because of legal complexity and the “but for” requirements for new markets credits. “We were advised that it would be even more complex for us to pursue new market credits, especially in addition to the complexity of the historic tax credits,” she said.

Council discussion focused on transparency, cost risk and timing. Counsel and foundation representatives told council that if negotiations do not result in a deal, the city and foundation would be responsible only for their documented negotiation costs (staff estimated consultant/legal review costs likely would not exceed roughly $100,000), and that any final tax‑credit financing would return to council for a public meeting and vote.

Action: council approved the letter of interest to pursue federal historic tax credit financing with National Trust Community Investment Corporation as intermediary and instructed staff and city legal counsel to continue work with the foundation and investor parties. The council emphasized that any final financing agreement would require a subsequent public vote.

Ending: foundation and city officials said the tax credit option could recover public funds and support the theater restoration, but they stressed the complexity of the transaction and the need for more detailed legal and financial work before a binding agreement would be executed.","The council approved a letter of interest letting the city and the Plaza Theatre Foundation pursue federal historic tax credit financing; consultants said the project could yield more than $2.8 million net to the city but requires complex legal and financial work and subsequent council approval of any final deal.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6223320,"Palm Springs approves guaranteeing Desert Community Energy's $20 million line to support long‑term power procurement",80,2751000,2831000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576527-f32c8cbad01863238af09a28387cbf45&start=2751&end=2831","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576527-f32c8cbad01863238af09a28387cbf45/thumbnail_2751000.jpg","/articles/6223320/Palm-Springs/Riverside-County/California/Palm-Springs-approves-guaranteeing-Desert-Community-Energys-20-million-line-to-support-longterm-power-procurement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223320-a1705bcd7bd21c3011968c116b03a446/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418178&Signature=FV-ZwBwuqPmfZCGGlzenUtE4Mi1UZFnJDWXUTZN80ccQdciFI2qyHOwuf3d2CVSOqkWyOoP1UWXQwf~iHsxJqlOFDV~9oB-2mEsTSkxO~Mtt-k7ac8KbV7NajYBkr-PpaOvuu4wINukVzDB9B~uyEzfGavE3gL-FiA3dy1tl6csPuSreSrxr0g8ouWUb2tE1V~kLvIKUjDANmSdxYXfeGpBGehqqCwX1G-y9tEfQOl7VbLk2ikKUlR3BB9YrW2IwtCYI5Nub9pejCY3B5hD9xzxojtDb272gtzFe6gluhqmtSr6cR-j3Q6gm92OCBV5hOlT1MZ9Pw8x1zHIZx39A2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Palm Springs City Council voted May 28 to continue serving as guarantor for Desert Community Energy’s (DCE) revolving line of credit and to increase the guaranteed amount to $20 million, public documents and presentations show.

The nut graf: staff and DCE financial advisers said the increase would help DCE secure long‑term power contracts, free cash currently used as collateral to earn market returns, and bolster liquidity ratios that affect DCE’s credit profile.

LP McCloy, appearing by video, summarized the request and handed the discussion to Claude Kilgore, the finance lead supporting DCE. “DCE has not drawn on the line of credit since February 2023,” Kilgore told the council, and “as of just today, it has over $27,000,000 liquid cash in the bank,” details he cited to show the agency’s capacity to meet advances if necessary.

Kilgore outlined three reasons for increasing the guaranty: to secure long‑term power agreements (including using standby letters of credit), to support daily operations and to improve liquidity metrics that rating agencies use. He said the change would help DCE negotiate with counterparties and reduce financing friction when arranging procurement of sustainable resources.

Council members asked technical questions about DCE’s financial position and the risk to the city. Christopher Mooney, the City’s finance director and treasurer, characterized the fiscal impact to Palm Springs as minimal under current forecasts. He said the city would only have to provide financial support if the unlikely worst‑case scenario materialized and DCE could not meet obligations; council members pushed staff for clarity on what that scenario would look like.

Kilgore and Mooney offered additional data during the meeting: DCE’s net position was reported as approximately $36 million as of March 31, the agency holds an unassigned fund balance in the roughly $35 million range, and annual revenues were described in the meeting as about $70 million. Kilgore also noted the organization receives independent annual audits and had earned clean opinions since inception.

Council action: the council authorized the city to remain guarantor and to increase DCE’s guaranteed line of credit to $20 million so DCE can obtain standby letters of credit and improve its liquidity metrics; staff noted the authorization would not create an immediate fiscal liability for the city under current assumptions. Council members requested continued quarterly reporting from DCE and emphasized that any draw on the guaranty would be brought to the council for review.

Ending: staff said the authorization would help DCE secure lower‑cost long‑term power contracts and support the agency’s investment‑grade transition; council members asked for continuing transparency and quarterly financial reports.","Council authorized the city to continue serving as guarantor for Desert Community Energy’s line of credit, increasing the guarantee to $20 million to support procurement, liquidity ratios and standby letters of credit for long‑term power agreements.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6223325,"Palm Springs officials detail May 17 blast response, adopt six‑month disaster overlay to speed business recovery",1491,1748000,3239000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576527-f32c8cbad01863238af09a28387cbf45&start=1748&end=3239","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576527-f32c8cbad01863238af09a28387cbf45/thumbnail_1748000.jpg","/articles/6223325/Palm-Springs/Riverside-County/California/Palm-Springs-officials-detail-May-17-blast-response-adopt-sixmonth-disaster-overlay-to-speed-business-recovery","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223325-c77c7df1e5447337fb7c6984d476d166/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418178&Signature=HE80vaKCTXAjdvboO9C6MmqYR0gyP~eQ1h2rB1qPgDNGA7djtA~qGv-spx7ZHOBQvTSxo8QyVypn0D5HHzQ3RebE8xDo3h0Mm-z8oDg~INE6fpH4zSGI38BrgfjO4qKMkD~T3ZxFf9n29ckD50vXGEANweTQR4kozRPFY3ruceNscFo1qV-VQZk-7dwRbdCOWGWtjh2FpGmmxHrVtEZknFNAwlUcV5fSk3azD-70zv04TvZRloCK0R~7qpnxZ9se1fFy7AU0dmEHVQa5~Rqi98G3DBMbQdfvncZlFnT4fVOvP7EV4jKbNay-JAobxqrHoEPrn8cG-fYraZYCJ3k3sQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials gave a multi‑department update May 28 on the May 17 vehicle explosion outside the American Reproductive Center and adopted a temporary disaster overlay to speed repairs and reopenings for businesses in the blast area.

City Manager Scott Stiles said the city is still in an early recovery phase and offered preliminary damage estimates. “By our very rough estimates, the incident, probably did about $6 million to $12 million in damage to all the buildings,” Stiles said, adding that 56 businesses were affected and that four buildings were complete losses while others had minor damage.

The nut graf: the council approved a time‑limited disaster overlay zone intended to reduce rebuilding costs and speed the permitting and inspection processes for properties damaged in the blast. Staff told the council the overlay includes fee adjustments, expedited review and temporary licensing assistance to help businesses return to operation quickly.

Paul Alvarado, Palm Springs fire chief, provided an operational timeline from first responders. “At 10:49 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, the vehicle exploded outside the American Reproductive Center on North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs,” Alvarado said. He credited Palm Springs Fire, Palm Springs Police and the FBI for securing the scene, containing injuries and preserving critical operations at the reproductive center.

Acting Captain Mike Villegas said the investigation remains active and described ongoing evidence work: “We are meticulously sifting through physical and digital evidence to determine what products or substances were used in the explosion,” he said. Villegas told the council the FBI returned to the site to take additional evidence and that overnight security and remote surveillance remain in place.

Wayne Olson, the city’s chief economic development officer, updated the council on business impacts and relocations. He said Dr. Abdallah and his staff moved embryos to a new secure location and that the fertility clinic had resumed services: “Doctor Abdalla is resuming normal operations, which is really incredible given that this is less than a week of, you know, assessment,” Olson said.

Deputy City Manager Flynn Fagg presented the disaster overlay proposal that was on the consent calendar. “We are going to be adjusting the fees for our building permits, planning entitlements, business licenses, and inspections, in order to reduce the barriers for business owners to rebuild their properties,” Fagg said. He added the overlay would shorten review times, expedite inspections and allow temporary transfers of licenses as needed. Staff recommended a six‑month duration, with the council able to extend the period if necessary.

Communications Director Amy Blaisdell described the city’s public outreach. “We had over 45,000 people viewing those news conferences,” she said, and pointed residents and business owners to the city’s incident landing page (engagepalmsprings.com) for updates, resources and FAQs.

Mayor John DeHart praised city staff and community fundraising efforts. He noted multiple community donations and the new Rebuild Palm Springs fund: “So far, $106,000 has been raised… most of them don’t have terrorism insurance,” the mayor said, urging continued community support.

Council action and next steps: Council adopted the resolution establishing the disaster overlay district and directed staff to implement the fee reductions, inspection prioritization and expedited review described by staff. Staff also requested—and the council approved—a minor modification expanding the overlay boundaries by several adjacent properties to ensure all damaged parcels are eligible. The overlay was set to sunset after six months unless the council votes to extend it; staff said individual applications filed before the sunset date could be held until property owners were ready to proceed.

The presentation included preliminary damage detail the city compiled with partners in building and safety and county emergency management: staff said 56 buildings were assessed, 27 showed damage and five were red‑tagged as unfit for occupancy. The fertility clinic and surrounding buildings were estimated to require $5 million to $10 million to rebuild; the remaining affected buildings were estimated collectively at $1.5 million to $2 million, staff said. The figures were described by staff as preliminary and subject to further inspection and insurance review.

Community resources and support: staff said counseling and peer‑support debriefs were provided for first responders, and the city coordinated with Cal OES and county emergency services on structural assessments. Rebuild Palm Springs has begun fundraising and donors and businesses are offering temporary space and in‑kind assistance to affected small businesses.

The council’s action was procedural: staff will implement the overlay policies, begin processing the expedited permits and report back if the overlay should be extended or if particular properties require longer timelines.

Ending: City staff continued to emphasize that the investigation is ongoing and the FBI remains the lead for the criminal investigation. For residents and business owners seeking help, the city directed people to engagepalmsprings.com for the latest incident updates, business assistance information and mental‑health resources.","City officials described emergency response, damage estimates and recovery work after the May 17 vehicle explosion outside the American Reproductive Center, and the council adopted a six‑month disaster overlay to fast‑track permits, reduce fees and expedite rebuilding for properties in the blast area.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Palm Springs council authorizes negotiations with Oakview Group to manage convention center

City signs letter of interest to pursue federal historic tax credits for Plaza Theatre restoration

Palm Springs approves guaranteeing Desert Community Energy's $20 million line to support long‑term power procurement

Palm Springs officials detail May 17 blast response, adopt six‑month disaster overlay to speed business recovery